72 125 hp Johnson -- can only go forward

[bds85466]

Re: 72 125 hp Johnson -- can only go forward

I found something like what you had in the picture, but mine had about 8 wires going in one side and a solid rubbery conduit of wires going out the other. That was the thing I referenced earlier that was tougher than heck to pull apart...I don't think this is what I'm looking for.

I actually did find what I knew was a fuse holder last night, though. It was a little ways from the starter solenoid in and out of some electrical tape which housed not sure how many junctions. It was about a 1/2" diameter and much easier to pull apart. I actually found that the first night but I did not think it was the fuse holder I got the fuse out (30 amp?) and it looked like a normal fuse. There was no wire in it, but more of a plate, probably like .010" thick and almost as wide as the fuse itself -- mabye an 1/8 of an inch. The fuse didn't show any wear and the plate was in tact. So I'm assuming that the fuse is not the problem. Now, onto looking at these wires...

So when everyone says the buzz word "power head" what exactly does that mean?...The area right under the crank plate (flywheel) or what? Do I need to remove components to find these wires? Say that I find that one wire doesn't have the correct voltage, what will I need to do from there?

 

[F_R]

Re: 72 125 hp Johnson -- can only go forward

My friend, in all honesty you are at the point where you need somebody experienced with electrical circuits in general, and with that motor in particular, to help you check out the electrical system. You said you have a wiring diagram, which is the first requirement. Do you have the specific service manual for the motor?

I used my GI Bill education benefits to go to school to learn how that stuff works. It's not quite rocket science, but it can be mighty confusing if you don't understand the basics.

 

[bds85466]

Re: 72 125 hp Johnson -- can only go forward

I've got the Clymer...

I'm not going to compare resume's with anybody, but I know general circuitry. I've never looked for wires on a boat engine before, but I know how to operate a multimeter and figure things out. If the wires came out and yelled "blue" and "green" there would be no problem finding them. The problem is, they're faded or rewired a different color, or, nobody will help me figure out where the the leads I need to test are even are located.

Is there a quick way to check the lube level in the lower unit?

 

[Don S.]

Re: 72 125 hp Johnson -- can only go forward

Here is a pic for help.

 

[Boatnik70]

Re: 72 125 hp Johnson -- can only go forward

The shift wires tend to get so dark they look almost black. Use a flashlight to look at them closely (the only two wires which disappear down to the lower unit, in the are shown above), and maybe scrape lightly with a pocket knive to see the color better.

 

[freddyray21]

Re: 72 125 hp Johnson -- can only go forward

there will be knife connectors on the wires. It help to pull the insulation off the knife connectors as they will not be faded under the insulation. As it has been said it will be the only two wires going down into the leg.

 

[bds85466]

Re: 72 125 hp Johnson -- can only go forward -- SOLVED

Re: 72 125 hp Johnson -- can only go forward -- SOLVED

I checked the wiring (after much trial and tribulation)out and it seemed to be good. Since that checked out, I then drained the old lower unit lube and replaced with some premium blend lube. It worked! My boat goes in N once again. Thanks for all the help/pictures/words of advice.